Isabella D'Este Monologue
Isabella D’Este Monologue
Good day m’lords and ladies. My name is Isabella D’Este, Marchesa of Mantua, and I am currently governing alone. Why is a woman governing alone you may be wondering? I’ll tell you. My dear husband, Francesco, was captured by those villainous Venetians while he was away at war. You see, he is, or was, the captain of the Armies of the League, before his untimely capture. He and I have been separated for almost thirteen long months now, and I am beginning to wonder if he will ever return home. You must all know how horribly wretched this is for me, knowing that my husband is locked up in some jail and not having any idea as to whether he is well or if I will ever see him again! I have attempted everything in my power to bring him home to me. I have tried persuading the pope into allowing him to return, and I have even offered him some of my vast wealth in exchange for my poor Francesco’s release, but nothing seems to have swayed him. To ease my mind from this horrific nightmare I am being forced to endure day after day, I have also consulted priests, lawyers, and even one astrologer who claimed he could predict whether or not he would be released! But alas, I have come to accept that my mind will not be at peace until the day I see my husband walk through this castle once again. I would do anything to get him back, sell my hair, give up titles- I would even arrange a political marriage with one of my children if it would ensure his release! I must go, for I have just received news about my dear Francesco! Pray pardon my abrupt leave. Fare thee well.
Good day m’lords and ladies. My name is Isabella D’Este, Marchesa of Mantua, and I am currently governing alone. Why is a woman governing alone you may be wondering? I’ll tell you. My dear husband, Francesco, was captured by those villainous Venetians while he was away at war. You see, he is, or was, the captain of the Armies of the League, before his untimely capture. He and I have been separated for almost thirteen long months now, and I am beginning to wonder if he will ever return home. You must all know how horribly wretched this is for me, knowing that my husband is locked up in some jail and not having any idea as to whether he is well or if I will ever see him again! I have attempted everything in my power to bring him home to me. I have tried persuading the pope into allowing him to return, and I have even offered him some of my vast wealth in exchange for my poor Francesco’s release, but nothing seems to have swayed him. To ease my mind from this horrific nightmare I am being forced to endure day after day, I have also consulted priests, lawyers, and even one astrologer who claimed he could predict whether or not he would be released! But alas, I have come to accept that my mind will not be at peace until the day I see my husband walk through this castle once again. I would do anything to get him back, sell my hair, give up titles- I would even arrange a political marriage with one of my children if it would ensure his release! I must go, for I have just received news about my dear Francesco! Pray pardon my abrupt leave. Fare thee well.